Red Cedar School is an independent kindergarten through middle school, located north of the village of Bristol on the edge of the Green Mountains in Vermont.

The philosophy and practice of Red Cedar are based on these assumptions:

That school ideally is a community, one where relationships are based on dignity, respect and affection, built through daily acts of presence with one another, through caring and collaborating.

That thinking, creativity and voice are the essence of being human, and should be at the heart of all we do at school.

That supporting students in their drive for independence and competence is found within a balance of freedom and direction, choice and guidance; that within this balance lives the energy and joy of education.

That students who feel trusted, understood, supported and inspired will pursue their curiosity, allow themselves to be vulnerable and open, undertake all kinds of experiences, work hard, try and fail and try again; they will be relentless in their quest to do and know.

At Red Cedar students develop a love of learning within a community that values mutual respect and honors the voice of each individual. We support intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and communication skills through an interactive curriculum that emphasizes authentic and rigorous learning. We cultivate personal and social responsibility, and students grow to become active citizens of the local and world community.

Our small classes emphasize inquiry, writing, reading, discussion, and hands-on learning. Special programs in the arts, field research, travel study, wilderness trips, workshops, the outdoor classroom, and the school garden augment classroom learning.